Kanpur massacres 1857

History glossary

Also called: Satichaura Ghat, Bibighar, Kanpur massacre, Satichaura Ghat massacre, Cawnpore massacre, Bibighar massacre · Topic: The Revolt of 1857 · NCERT: Class 8, Ch 4 "The Colonial Era in India"; Class 12, Ch 2 "Rebels and the Raj"

Meaning

The Kanpur massacres were killings of British people at Kanpur in 1857, during the revolt led there by Nana Sahib. The besieged British garrison under General Hugh Wheeler surrendered after being promised safe passage. Instead, Nana Sahib's forces killed more than 200 British civilians. Historians still debate why it happened. The British took terrible revenge, and Kanpur became a symbol of the brutality on both sides in 1857.

Example

In late June 1857, the British were attacked at Satichaura Ghat as they boarded boats on the Ganga. The surviving women and children were held in a house called the Bibighar and killed in mid-July 1857, as British troops came close. Once the British retook Kanpur, they carried out executions there to spread terror.

Don't confuse with

  • Siege of Lucknow: there the British held out in the Residency until they were rescued. At Kanpur the garrison surrendered and was then massacred.

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